"Two weeks ago, free agent Bill Guerin said he popped into the Skate Zone to get in a workout while he was visiting his father-in-law in Medford. He said he would only be there a few days.

Yesterday, as the rookies took the ice with just 4 days until training camp opens, Guerin was still there.

While everyone loves spending time with their in-laws, it was clear Guerin had a more long-term solution in mind. The veteran free agent wants to wear a Flyers uniform this season.

Guerin sent the Daily News a text message last night to report that he will still be here when other veterans formally report for physicals on Friday afternoon - and he is even willing to do it without a contract.

Guerin, 39, will attend Flyers training camp on a tryout, something that is unusual for a player with 856 career points in 1,263 NHL games.

"Bill has been a very good player for a long time in our league," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "We are happy to have him in camp."

On a tryout contract, Guerin is free to leave the Flyers at any time to sign with another team. Flyers forward Blair Betts was in a similar situation last season. Without a contract, Betts entered camp on a tryout, won a spot, and just fit under the salary cap by signing a $550,000 contract on the first day of the regular season.

Guerin will not receive a salary during training camp but will have living, transportation and meal expenses paid for by the Flyers.

Guerin's agent, Bob Murray, originally said his client was not interested in a tryout deal.

"Bill talked with Paul Holmgren [on Sunday] and he decided that this was his best option for the time being," Murray told the Daily News. "Billy looked at a bunch of different opportunities and we had always pegged the Flyers as a good fit."

The 6-2, 220-pound forward originally hoped to return to the Penguins. Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero did not inform Guerin that his services would not be needed this year until Aug. 25, well after the free agency period opened on July 1."